Navy as a Neutral: Thinking Beyond Black

January 14, 2017 by Stoney Creek Furniture

This year, all colour trends point to fresh! While that may mean a break from beige, it doesn’t mean all neutrals must be abandoned. Enter navy – the ‘new’ neutral that’s giving black a run for its money. While black is timeless and always apropos, here are a few reasons to try navy as a black substitute:

Navy matches everything. Navy is every bit as flexible as black. Whether with grey (this season’s fav neutral), pastels, brights, jewel tones or white, navy works! In fact, many experts would say it looks better than black with colours like pale pink, red or yellow. (Navy actually works well with black too, especially when accented with white.) And if you still love beige and taupe, navy is the perfect way to add a touch of interest. HINT: Pantone’s Colour of the Year, Greenery, sparkles with navy!

Epicenters Gimbel Accent Chair

Epicenters Gimbel Accent Chair

Navy inspires themes. Navy is preppy and traditional, yet still trendy. Navy and white is the foundation for a fun nautical theme. Navy with turquoise is beautifully beachy. Navy and white stripes are cottagey, warm and welcoming.

Navy is softer and more subtle than black. Black and orange = Halloween. Black and red = harsh. Black and grey = dark. But substitute navy for black and the effect is much more understated. Navy is classic and tailored – a sailor’s jacket, a prep school blazer – it’s always appropriate, always ‘well dressed’.

Navy is ‘boy’ or ‘girl’. Wonderfully gender neutral, navy is an ideal choice for a bedroom. It’s never frilly, but never macho either.

Navy looks good with all woods and metals. Dark rich glossy hardwood floors or rugged distressed floors; oak or mahogany furnishings, brass or chrome fixtures – navy complements them all beautifully.

But how and where should you use navy?

Navy furniture. A navy sofa is so much more exciting than black, yet just as versatile. How about a gorgeous navy accent chair? Maybe a metal chair painted navy? Or perhaps a chair with a stunning navy pattern? Whatever your décor style, navy fits. HINT: How about navy kitchen cupboards?

Transitional Attached Back Sofa with Track Arms

Transitional Attached Back Sofa with Track Arms

Navy walls. Black walls are only for the very adventurous; navy is much less sombre, yet just as impactful. Crisp white trim sets it off. And don’t forget, there’s no reason not to use navy with black. A black leather loveseat in a foyer with navy walls is dramatic.

Navy accents. Navy striped pillows or throw rugs, a navy mohair throw, navy and white graphic wallpaper, navy velvet drapes – touches of navy instantly add traditional beauty to any space.

Navy has a luxe quality about it, yet it’s never pretentious. Move over black. Navy has arrived!

Tips & Inspiration: 2017 Bedroom Design Trends

January 7, 2017 by Stoney Creek Furniture

Now that 2017 has emerged bright and new, we’ve all drawn to reinvention and renewal, personally and in our homes. Before you spend all your budget redecorating your main living space, think about your bedroom! More and more we need our bedrooms to be an oasis – a retreat from the noise and stress of daily life. Here are the very latest trends in bedroom décor. Try a few in your bedroom – and enjoy!

Jewel Tones. While neutrals (gray & white especially!) and pastels are still bedroom favourites for 2017, increasingly we’re ramping up the richness of our spaces with jewel tones. Sapphire, emerald, ruby, vivid fuchsia – whether on fabrics or walls, these saturated tones ooze lavish, old world glamour.

Natural Materials. For 2017, furnishings are made of real wood, quality pieces handcrafted and made to last. Likewise, flooring is genuine hardwood or tiles (terra cotta is actually coming back!). Draperies and bed coverings are linen, cotton or silk. The feeling is authentic, not contrived; pared down, yet still luxurious.

Universal Sojourn Respite Queen Upholstered Bed with Removable Canopy

Universal Sojourn Respite Queen Upholstered Bed with Removable Canopy

Wallpaper. We’ve seen lots of wallpaper over the last few seasons. In 2017, it’s still going strong and idea for the bedroom. The on-trend look is graphic, bold and striking, never fussy or dainty. Metallics continue to be popular.

Multifunctional. Make your bedroom more than just a room for sleeping! If you have the space, create a reading nook, or a meditation corner. Bookcases, a loveseat and a cozy rug may be all you need! PS Some people are choosing to make their bedrooms a ‘mini-home’ complete with coffee maker and tiny fridge.

Hillsdale St. Croix Modern Queen Bed with Footboard Storage

Hillsdale St. Croix Modern Queen Bed with Footboard Storage

Luxurious Linens. The trend is to go all out on bed linens and draperies. Custom, one-of-a-kind creations are popular using the finest fabrics. Throws and cushions are aplenty for a layered, abundant look.

Gold, Burnished Metals. We’re seeing more warm metals for 2017. Gold and brass continue to dominate for bedroom accessories, but don’t worry, mixing is in! Incorporate gold with your nickel and pewter for a fun, eclectic sensibility.

Fabric Headboards. In keeping with a look of luxury, fabric headboards (with on-trend tufting!) are hugely popular for 2017. Choose a fabric you love and make a personal style statement.

Magnolia Home French Inspired Twin Sisters Upholstered Bed

Magnolia Home French Inspired Twin Sisters Upholstered Bed

Opals, Iridescence. As we mentioned in an earlier blog, iridescence is on trend for 2017 and showing up everywhere. Opal builds on that trend, giving it flair and a touch of traditional elegance. Look for opal in many bedroom accessories.

Fresh Flowers & Plants. Always in style, a fresh vase of posies and green plants add life and charm to a bedroom. (And don’t forget, Greenery, the colour of foliage on many plants, is Pantone’s Colour of the Year!)

Wishing you a 2017 filled with love, laughter – and of course – a beautiful space to call home!

A Sneak Peek at Exciting Décor Trends for 2017

December 30, 2016 by Stoney Creek Furniture

House & Home, a leading magazine and authority on all things décor related, has released its vision for design trends in 2017. We love them all! Read on for inspiration…

  • Mirrored Coffee Tables. Cool and contemporary, mirrored coffee tables are bright and beautiful. Substantial ‘blocks’ rather than on legs, today’s mirrored tables are urban and exciting – a great way to re-invent your living room with just one new piece.
  • Iridescence. Perhaps the freshest trend for 2017 is iridescence! It’s metallic with a twist and so much fun. A glimmer of a rainbow strikes furniture, shower panels, accessories, light fixtures and more. Enjoy!

  • Interrupted Flooring. Whether you’re going from hardwood to tile or something entirely different, who says floors have to end abruptly from room to room or over thresholds? The new trend is transitional from space to space rather than segregated. It’s a ‘gentler’, integrated approach to flooring.
  • Penny-Round Tiles. It’s a return to tradition with classic penny-round tiles that were a mainstay for over a century. It’s a heritage vibe, old-school yet still fresh today by using on every surface in the bathroom…even ceilings!
  • Open-Ended Islands. Why not make your kitchen island artful as well as hard working? Build in corner shelves that wrap around corners, creating a beautiful display area for your favourite kitchen bric a brac.
  • French Blue. Say ‘bonjour’ to this intoxicating colour that’s like dipping into serene, sparkling waters. Use it on walls, accessories, upholstery – anywhere you want a soothing, inviting ambience.
  • The New Slipper Chair. One of the hot new accent pieces for 2017 is the slipper chair – updated for modern sensibilities. It has a high back, finely detailed tapered legs and styling that make it perfect for almost any space. Don’t think traditional; the new slipper chair is contemporary and fun!
  • Moody Murals. Whether a wall hanging, custom painting or wallpaper, murals have gone from pretty botanicals to darker designs. It’s Romantic-inspired with muted tones, even a little Impressionist blurring. While these new murals pay tribute to days gone by, in a contemporary setting, they’re decidedly fresh.
  • High Country. New country décor uses natural materials in an honest way, for a pared down, humble vibe. Bare windows and true rustic elements are hallmarks, but always with a touch of polish. A matte neutral palette provides the foundation.

  • Nomadic Modern. This new style is where Californian Bohemian meets refined East Coast aesthetics – combined with a strong dose of quirky! Look for saturated colours, gold metallics and vintage accents, blended with tailored touches to lend an air of sophistication. It’s layered, lush, textured and warm.

Happy Holidays! See you in 2017!

Announcing the 2017 PANTONE® Colour of the Year and How to Add It to Your Home!

December 17, 2016 by Stoney Creek Furniture

Announcing Pantone Colour of the Year – a vibrant yet serene spring shade called Greenery; specifically Pantone 15-0343. Greenery is a reminder that spring inevitably follows winter; that hope and renewal are within our grasp at any time. Greenery gives us new opportunities to refresh our lives – and our homes. Greenery is optimistic, life-affirming and joyful; a little Zen, a lot natural beauty.

Photo by Pantone

Photo by Pantone

What is the colour of the year all about? For those of you new to the Pantone Colour of the Year, it’s the definitive annual colour statement, a snapshot of what’s happening in our global culture through the expression of colour. Pantone is considered the world’s leading authority on all things colour – the colour of the year strongly influences fashion, décor, architecture, lifestyle and many more choices for the coming year.

Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute says, “Greenery bursts forth in 2017 to provide us with the reassurance we yearn for amid a tumultuous social and political environment. Satisfying our growing desire to rejuvenate and revitalize, Greenery symbolizes the reconnection we seek with nature, one another and a larger purpose.”

What other colours does Greenery match? Greenery is the colour of many types of foliage – so simple yet so glorious. As such, it acts as a neutral and pairs with a wide palette – traditional neutrals, brights, deeper shades, pastels and metallics – the options are endless.

How can Greenery be effectively added to a home?

Plants. What could be easier or more stunning? Add tropical plants to your home with lush foliage in light, beautiful Greenery. It will not only look on trend, it will also re-oxygenate your space!

Accessories. You’ll see every possible home accessory in Greenery this coming season, so add a little or add a lot. Accessories are, in fact, an affordable way to update your home with Greenery. Whether draperies, cushions, bed coverings or towels, linens of all sorts are a great choice.

Furnishings. Greenery is a fun and fresh choice for an accent chair, loveseat, ottoman, upholstered headboard or much more. Love the colour? Invest in a gorgeous Greenery sofa. Blended with neutrals, it’s a classic. Blended with brights or black, it’s exciting and modern.

Think Green. Part of the inspiration behind Greenery as Pantone Colour of the Year is an acknowledgement of our need to be more environmentally responsible. Beyond using Greenery in your décor, look for ways to be ecologically green – for example, use fewer plastic water bottles, do full loads of laundry, support local farmers and replace paper towels with cloths.

Greenery encourages new beginnings. With 2017 just around the corner, what better time for a fresh start? As you update your home for the New Year, reinvigorate it with Greenery!